"It has been officially opened since July 31, 2020. Visitors have begun trickling in, though domestic tourists constitute merely two percent," Putu Agus Sanjaya, owner of a water sports center, stated here on Monday.
The water sports center applies the requisite health protocols to prevent COVID-19 transmission, including the mandatory wearing of face masks, washing hands with soap, and maintaining physical distancing. Disinfectant spraying of its facilities is also conducted regularly.
"Before this pandemic, (our) turnover had reached Rp100-150 million, whereas now, owing to this pandemic, it is only Rp50 million per month," he remarked.
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Sanjaya recalled that prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the venue was usually crowded with domestic and foreign tourists, especially from China, during the January-March 2020 period. From March to May, the place was usually thronged largely by European, Indian, and Arab tourists. However, during the school holidays, domestic tourists from Jakarta, Bandung, Medan, Surabaya, and Banyuwangi constituted the major chunk of visitors there.
An over 100 percent drop in revenue from marine tourism resulted from the pandemic that not only caused a decline in tourist visits but also led to forced lay-offs of workers.
Sanjaya’s business earlier employed 70 workers, though currently, 70 percent of the workers were laid off, as the water sports facility had been deserted since March 2020.
"In the Tanjung Benoa area, 23 water sports amusement centers have been affected by the pandemic," he pointed out.
Sanjaya is upbeat about more domestic tourists and later foreign tourists visiting Bali that prioritizes safety, health, and comfort of one and all. Related news: New Yogyakarta airport expected to boost hotel, restaurant businesses
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Translator: Ayu Khania P, Fardah
Editor: Rahmad Nasution
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